Page 103 of Just Wait

“Exactly.”

“What are you going to do?” I ask, swiping my Dr Pepper off the floor.

He chuckles, shoving his long hair back from his face. “I’m going to pray they hate fuck, and it ends up being really good sex.”

Well, at least he has a plan.

Hopefully it works.

Otherwise, the bus is going to be a whole different experience once we’re back on it.

“I love your dress,” Wren says, coming to stand by my side as I linger around, watching the insanity that is the meet and greet. “I know we kinda met last night, but I’m Wrenley. Everyone calls me Wren.” She holds out a hand with bright pink- and lime-painted nails.

“Lumen.” I shake. “Your nails are so pretty.”

“Thanks.” She holds them up, examining them. “I got them done today, along with my toes, to give my brother time to remind Ten that he owes him one. Technically he owes us one, but whatever.”

“The nail tech did a great job.” I take a sip of my soda. “How do you feel about traveling with the band?”

“It’s whatever,” she says, shrugging. “I wasn’t exactly pleased to hear Rhys was pawning me off on Ten, but I’ve known him for years. Also, the tour has lots of security, so that’s good.”

My head tilts. “Are you in danger?”

“My brother owes someone money.” Her teeth dig into her lower lip as her shoulders once again bounce. “The guy made some threats, but I’m not too worried. Rhys is freaking out, though.”

Yeah, I probably would be too.

“Anyway, he wants me out of town for a bit, hence how you all got stuck with me.” Her brother waves her over, and Wren turns to me. “It was nice to meet you.”

“You too,” I say, blinking at her back as she walks away. I don’t even have the chance to correct her. I’m not part of the band or with any of the guys in any type of committed sense.

Okay.

If nothing else, it’s nice to have a reminder that my problems aren’t insurmountable in comparison to what some other people are going through.

Benji warned us before even leaving the meet and greet that there’s a thick wall of paparazzi that we’ll have to pass by on the way to the SUVs. We’ll apparently be split into two vehicles since there are so many of us heading back to the hotel.

“Don’t stress, baby doll.” Malcolm tosses his arm around my shoulder as we head out of the building. “They’re totally going to be focused on who Wren is.”

“I think I’m getting the hang of it,” I say, snuggling into his chest. “If I tuck my jaw, they barely get pictures of my double chin.”

We come to a stop by the doors, and Malcolm turns to me.

“Double chin, my ass. You’re sexy as fuck, Lulu.” He kisses my temple. “I really love seeing the pictures of us plastered everywhere. It gives me something to jack off to when you’re not around.”

“Jesus Christ,” Riser says. “You need therapy.”

“Probably.” Malcolm laughs, and those dual nose rings of his glint in the low light.

Kasey slides back inside one of the doors, waving. “We’re good to move.”

Kincaid heads out first as Kasey holds the door. Malcolm drags me along, and it gets incredibly loud as we step out into the cool night air.

“It’s the woman from the pit.”

“Mal, look at me. Over here. Are the two of you dating?”

“What’s your name, sweetheart?”